How to Remove a Steering Column Lock Cylinder Security Bolt

How to Remove a Steering Column Lock Cylinder Security Bolt

If you’re replacing a steering column, ignition lock cylinder housing, or deleting a factory steering lock mechanism, you’ll often run into security bolts. The heads of these bolts are designed to shear off during assembly so they can’t easily be removed with normal tools.

Fortunately, they can still be removed with a simple cut-off wheel and a flathead screwdriver.

This guide shows how to remove a steering column security bolt by cutting a slot into the bolt head and backing it out manually.

Tools Needed

• Angle grinder or rotary tool with cut-off wheel
• Flathead screwdriver
• PPE (hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, etc)

What Is a Security Bolt?

Security bolts are tamper-resistant fasteners commonly used on ignition lock assemblies and steering columns. From the factory, the hex head breaks off during installation, leaving behind a smooth rounded surface that is difficult to grip with standard tools.

These are commonly found on all different makes and models.

Step 1: Locate the Security Bolt

The security bolts clamp the ignition lock housing to the steering column tube.

In the example below, the bolts are the smooth round fasteners securing the metal clamp around the column.

Factory shear bolts secure the ignition lock housing to the steering column and must be removed before disassembly.

Step 2: Cut a Slot Into the Bolt Head

Using a cut-off wheel, carefully cut a straight slot across the center of the security bolt head. The goal is to create enough depth for a large flathead screwdriver to grip securely.

Be careful not to cut into the steering column housing itself.

The photo below illustrates the slot being cut into the lower factory security bolt.

A cut-off wheel can be used to create a screwdriver slot in a factory security bolt for easy removal.

Step 3: Remove the Bolt With a Flathead Screwdriver

Once the slot is cut, insert a large flathead screwdriver into the groove and turn the bolt counterclockwise.

Most security bolts are not installed extremely tight after years of use, so they usually back out fairly easily once a slot is created.

You can also apply penetrating oil beforehand if the bolt is corroded.

The image below shows the flathead screwdriver being used to remove the newly slotted security bolt.

After cutting a slot into the bolt head, a flathead screwdriver can be used to back the security bolt out.

Tips for Easier Removal

• Use a thick cut-off wheel to make a wider slot
• An impact screwdriver can help break stubborn bolts loose
• Avoid overheating nearby plastic ignition components
• If the bolt refuses to turn, locking pliers may help after the slot is cut

Common Reasons for Removing a Steering Column Lock Mechanism

People commonly remove these security bolts when:

• Replacing a damaged ignition switch
• Swapping steering columns
• Installing an aftermarket electric power steering column
• Deleting a steering wheel lock
• Repairing theft damage
• Rebuilding older steering assemblies

Final Thoughts

Factory steering column security bolts look intimidating at first, but they’re usually straightforward to remove with basic tools. Cutting a simple slot into the bolt head is one of the fastest and cleanest methods to remove a security bolt.